Mubasher Max Ashrafi: 2023 candidate for DuPage High School District 88 board, 4-year term

Bio

Town: Addison

Age on Election Day: 48

Occupation: Senior marketing consultant

Employer: Chicago-based insurance company

Previous offices held: None

Q&A

Q: Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

A: I chose to become a candidate for District 88 Board of Education because I want to ensure the district keeps its academic standards high, challenging our students to reach their full potential.

It also is important that District 88 continue to assist students who are headed to junior college, trade school, military, or directly into the workforce. I hope to continue to build relationships with the College of DuPage, industry workforces, and trade leaders to help our students plan for their futures.

Also our community is a true melting pot of cultures and ethnicities. I want to continue to celebrate our diversity by embracing our differences. It is the combination of our unique characteristics, values, and beliefs that make District 88 schools special.

Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?

A: First and foremost we must continue providing a safe environment to learn and grow. We must have curriculum that will educate our children to be prepared for college or the workforce and apply critical thinking strategies in everyday life situations once they graduate from high school.

Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?

A: I currently have no issues with the District 88 curriculum. Our community is a true melting pot of cultures and ethnicities. I would want to continue to celebrate our diversity by embracing our differences. It is the combination of our unique characteristics, values, and beliefs that make District 88 schools special.

Q: How do you view your role in confronting policy or curriculum controversies: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents - even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state authorities?

A: I would listen to any constituents concerns. As a board member, we must be open-minded and hear out all issues. I then would work collaboratively as a board to see how we can resolve any issues. In the end, we must come to terms of the majority of the board or defer to the state policies.

Q: Concerns are growing regarding a new resurgence of the pandemic. If another massive outbreak of infectious disease occurs, what have we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic that will guide your decision making?

A: I would lean on the state recommended guidelines for schools. The health and safety of our students and staff is priority. As a board member, I would work side by side with the community making sure each child is receiving the same level of education and support they need.

Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions of your school board.

A: I believe in working collectively within a group setting. Working together on our issues and addressing the concerns of each member of the board. Ultimately we will need to come up with a solution that a majority of the board agrees on.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: Before moving to Addison more than four years ago, I lived in Villa Park with my wife and two daughters for 14 years. My oldest daughter graduated from Willowbrook High School in 2018, and my youngest daughter is currently a sophomore at Addison Trail High School.

I have the unique perspective of having children attend both District 88 high schools and hope to be part of shaping our schools into the future. My professional background and life experiences give me a fresh perspective and a passion to work for the students, families, faculty, and community of District 88.

Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?

A: We must begin to develop vocational classes that will train our children for the labor jobs of the future. Focusing on technology and chip manufacturing skills that will help children who want to go to trade schools or join the workforce after they graduate from high school.